Chapter
Verse

Proverbs 22:5

ESV Thorns and snares are in the way of the crooked; whoever guards his soul will keep far from them.
NIV In the paths of the wicked are snares and pitfalls, but those who would preserve their life stay far from them.
NASB Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; One who guards himself will be far from them.
CSB There are thorns and snares on the way of the crooked; the one who guards himself stays far from them.
NLT Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it.
KJV Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.
NKJV Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; He who guards his soul will be far from them.

What does Proverbs 22:5 mean?

The Bible often mentions "paths" as a metaphor for the choices one makes in life (Proverbs 1:15–16; Psalm 119:35). Those who follow godly wisdom are on a path to safety and truth (Proverbs 12:28). Those who wander from that path suffer greater danger and will become lost (Proverbs 4:18–19). Other proverbs used similar language to note that ignoring God's will makes life harder (Proverbs 15:19).

Jesus said, "Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few" (Matthew 7:13–14). The road that seems so easy is far from easy. Thorns and snares lie in the way, and those who choose to travel that route have no one to help them surmount the difficulties. Those who choose to follow the narrow way may find it to be a hard road, but Jesus leads the way and provides mercy and grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
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